Oakland Park newcomers defeat former mayors

OAKLAND PARK — Voters chose two first-time candidates over two former mayors on Tuesday, electing Timothy Lonergan and Sara Guevrekian to the City Commission.

"We need somebody new and fresh," said Royal Palm Isles resident Jane Barkley, who voted for Guevrekian and Lonergan. "I think it's about time we get somebody in there that can make positive changes for us."

Voters also approved a half-dozen charter amendments, including moving future city elections from March to November.

With all precincts reporting, Guevrekian won the Seat 1 race with 898 votes, followed by former Mayor Steven Arnst with 809 votes and newcomer Ruben Jean with 76 votes.

"I'm thrilled with the outcome and looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping Oakland Park move into the future," Lonergan said. Running against Walls was like running against a well-known incumbent, he said.

Walls and Arnst had the backing of firefighters, and received voter support for their past performance.

"I voted for Steven Arnst because I thought he did a good job while he was in office and I voted for Layne Dallett Walls for the same reason," said North Andrews Gardens resident Mike Hartley.

While Hartley's commission choices lost, he supported the successful effort to move the elections to November.

"One of the things I don't like is the low number of people in the community that's going to decided this [election]," Hartley said. Fewer than 1,800 residents voted.

Another approved charter amendment will change the way future commissioners are elected. Instead of running for individual seats, candidates will run together in a group with the top two or three vote-getters winning office depending on how many seats are up for election.

If the change had been in effect this year, Commissioner Jed Shank would not have won automatic re-election when no one filed to run against him. Instead, he would have had to run against the five other candidates with the top three vote-getters winning.

Marie Martha Pierre of North Andrews Gardens was philosophical about her votes for newcomers Guevrekian and Lonergan.

"When they run for election, they say much good," Pierre said. "When they get elected they have to deliver."